Canada has produced a number of exceptional singers over the years, many of whom have become international sensations. From pop to rock, country to jazz, the Canadian music scene has flourished with a diverse range of talents. In this article, we will explore 20 of the most famous Canadian singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
One of the most recognizable names on our list is Celine Dion. The Quebec-born singer rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love,” becoming one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Another Canadian singer who has made a big impact on the music world is Justin Bieber. Discovered on YouTube at the age of 13, Bieber’s career skyrocketed with his debut album, “My World 2.0,” and he has since become one of the most successful pop artists of his generation. But these two artists are just the tip of the iceberg, as Canada has produced many more talented singers who have made their mark on the global music scene. Join us as we delve into the careers of 20 of the most famous Canadian singers.
1. Céline Dion (Celine Dion)
Celine Dion is a Canadian singer who rose to fame in the 1990s with her powerful vocals and emotional ballads. Born in Charlemagne, Quebec, in 1968, she began singing at a young age, performing with her siblings in her parents’ piano bar. In 1981, she recorded a demo tape that caught the attention of music manager Rene Angelil, who became her mentor and later her husband. Dion’s debut album, “La voix du bon Dieu,” was released in 1981, and she quickly became a sensation in the French-speaking world.
Dion’s big break came in 1990, when she recorded the theme song for the Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast” with Peabo Bryson. The song became a massive hit, and Dion’s career took off. She went on to release a string of successful albums, including “Falling into You” and “Let’s Talk About Love,” and became one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Dion’s signature song, “My Heart Will Go On,” from the soundtrack of the movie “Titanic,” earned her an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and international acclaim. With her powerful voice and emotional performances, Celine Dion has become a Canadian icon and a beloved figure in the music industry.
2. Drake
Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter who has become one of the biggest names in hip-hop. Born Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto, Ontario, in 1986, he first gained recognition for his role as Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian TV series “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” In 2009, he released his first mixtape, “So Far Gone,” which quickly gained popularity and landed him a record deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment.
Since then, Drake has released a string of successful albums, including “Thank Me Later,” “Take Care,” and “Scorpion,” and has become known for his introspective lyrics and smooth, melodic style. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Rihanna to Kanye West, and has won numerous awards for his music, including four Grammy Awards. In addition to his music career, Drake has also made headlines for his business ventures, including his record label OVO Sound and his partnership with Jordan Brand. With his unique blend of rap and R&B and his undeniable talent, Drake has become one of Canada’s most successful and influential artists.
3. Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter who burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s with her punk rock-inspired sound and rebellious attitude. Born in Belleville, Ontario, in 1984, Lavigne started playing guitar and writing songs at a young age. In 2002, she released her debut album, “Let Go,” which featured hit singles like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi.” The album was a massive success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and establishing Lavigne as a major force in pop rock.
Over the years, Lavigne has continued to release successful albums, including “Under My Skin” and “The Best Damn Thing,” and has explored a range of musical styles, from acoustic ballads to hard-hitting rock anthems. She has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Chad Kroeger of Nickelback and Marilyn Manson. In addition to her music career, Lavigne has also made forays into acting and has been an outspoken advocate for Lyme disease awareness, which she has personally battled. With her unique voice and edgy style, Avril Lavigne has become an iconic figure in the Canadian music industry and a beloved artist for fans around the world.
4. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of her generation. Born Roberta Joan Anderson in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943, Mitchell began her career as a folk singer in the 1960s. Her unique style, which blended folk, rock, jazz, and pop influences, quickly earned her a devoted following, and she released a series of critically acclaimed albums throughout the decade.
Mitchell’s music has always been characterized by her poetic lyrics, inventive melodies, and powerful vocals, and she has tackled a range of subjects in her songs, from love and loss to politics and social justice. Some of her most famous songs include “Both Sides, Now,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” and “Woodstock.” Over the years, Mitchell has won numerous awards for her music, including nine Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite suffering from health issues in recent years, Mitchell’s influence on the Canadian music scene and beyond continues to be felt, and she remains an iconic figure for generations of musicians and fans alike.
5. Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with her raw, confessional lyrics and powerful vocals. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1974, Morissette began her music career as a child actor and pop singer before shifting towards a more alternative rock sound in the early 1990s. In 1995, she released her breakthrough album, “Jagged Little Pill,” which featured hit singles like “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic.” The album went on to sell over 33 million copies worldwide and earned Morissette five Grammy Awards.
Over the years, Morissette has continued to release successful albums, including “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie” and “Flavors of Entanglement,” and has explored a range of musical styles, from alternative rock to acoustic folk. She has also dabbled in acting and has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. In addition to her music career, Morissette is also a mother and has written a book about her experiences with postpartum depression. With her powerful voice and honest, introspective lyrics, Alanis Morissette has become one of Canada’s most beloved and influential musical exports.
6. Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has become one of the biggest names in pop music in recent years. Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1998, Mendes first gained fame on the social media app Vine, where he posted covers of popular songs. In 2014, he signed a record deal and released his debut single, “Life of the Party,” which became a massive hit. Mendes went on to release a series of successful albums, including “Illuminate” and “Shawn Mendes,” and has become known for his soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and ability to connect with fans through his music.
In addition to his music career, Mendes has also been an advocate for mental health awareness and has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various charities. He has collaborated with a number of other artists, including Camila Cabello and Justin Bieber, and has won numerous awards for his music, including an American Music Award and a People’s Choice Award. With his talent, charisma, and down-to-earth personality, Shawn Mendes has become one of Canada’s most popular and beloved musical exports, and his star shows no signs of fading any time soon.
7. Neil Young
Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been making music for over five decades. Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1945, Young began his music career in the 1960s as a member of the bands Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He went on to release a series of successful solo albums, including “Harvest,” “After the Gold Rush,” and “Rust Never Sleeps,” and became known for his distinctive voice, powerful lyrics, and innovative guitar playing.
Over the years, Young has continued to push boundaries and experiment with different musical styles, from folk and rock to grunge and electronic. He has also been an outspoken activist for various causes, including environmentalism and social justice, and has used his platform to raise awareness about issues that are important to him. In addition to his music career, Young is also a filmmaker and has directed a number of documentaries and concert films. With his legendary status and enduring influence on the music industry, Neil Young has become a beloved icon of Canadian music and a true cultural treasure.
8. Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist who is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1934, Cohen began his career as a poet and novelist before turning to music in the late 1960s. He released his debut album, “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” in 1967, and quickly established himself as a master of introspective, melancholy ballads. Over the years, Cohen continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including “Songs of Love and Hate,” “New Skin for the Old Ceremony,” and “I’m Your Man,” and became known for his distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and understated musical arrangements.
Cohen’s impact on the music industry and popular culture cannot be overstated. His songs have been covered by countless artists and have become part of the cultural lexicon, with classics like “Hallelujah” and “Suzanne” standing as timeless works of art. In addition to his music career, Cohen was also an accomplished poet and novelist, and his works have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Though he passed away in 2016, Leonard Cohen’s influence on the Canadian music scene and beyond continues to be felt, and he remains a beloved and revered figure for generations of fans.
9. Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado is a Canadian singer-songwriter who first gained fame in the early 2000s with her eclectic blend of pop, folk, and world music. Born in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1978, Furtado began playing music at a young age and was heavily influenced by her Portuguese heritage. In 2000, she released her debut album, “Whoa, Nelly!,” which featured hit singles like “I’m Like a Bird” and “Turn Off the Light.” The album was a massive success, earning Furtado numerous awards and establishing her as a major force in pop music.
Over the years, Furtado continued to release successful albums, including “Folklore” and “Loose,” and collaborated with a range of other artists, from Timbaland to Justin Timberlake. She has also been an advocate for various causes, including education and environmentalism, and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these issues. With her unique voice and blend of musical influences, Nelly Furtado has become one of Canada’s most beloved and successful musical exports, and her impact on the music industry continues to be felt to this day.
10. Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has become known for her ethereal vocals and poignant lyrics. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1968, McLachlan began playing music at a young age and was influenced by a range of artists, from Joni Mitchell to Fleetwood Mac. She released her debut album, “Touch,” in 1988, and quickly established herself as a rising star in the Canadian music scene. Over the years, McLachlan has released a string of successful albums, including “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,” “Surfacing,” and “Afterglow,” and has become known for her emotional ballads and soaring melodies.
In addition to her music career, McLachlan is also a philanthropist and activist, and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes, including women’s rights and animal welfare. She is the founder of the Lilith Fair music festival, which featured exclusively female artists and raised millions of dollars for women’s charities. With her angelic voice and powerful songwriting, Sarah McLachlan has become a beloved figure in the Canadian music industry and a beacon of hope and inspiration for fans around the world.
11. Anne Murray
Anne Murray is a Canadian singer who has been making music for over five decades. Born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, in 1945, Murray began her music career in the 1960s and quickly established herself as a rising star in the Canadian music scene. In 1970, she released her breakthrough album, “Snowbird,” which featured the hit title track and became a massive success in both Canada and the United States. Murray went on to release a series of successful albums, including “Danny’s Song” and “You Needed Me,” and became known for her smooth vocals and easy listening style.
Over the years, Murray has won numerous awards for her music, including four Grammy Awards and a number of Juno Awards, and has become one of the most successful and beloved artists in Canadian music history. In addition to her music career, Murray has also been an advocate for various causes, including cancer research and animal welfare. With her enduring popularity and her status as a cultural icon, Anne Murray remains a beloved figure in the Canadian music industry and a source of inspiration for generations of fans.
12. Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is a Canadian singer-songwriter who first gained fame in 2012 with her infectious pop hit “Call Me Maybe.” Born in Mission, British Columbia, in 1985, Jepsen began playing music at a young age and was heavily influenced by 1980s pop music. In 2007, she placed third on the fifth season of Canadian Idol, which helped to launch her music career. However, it was her breakthrough single “Call Me Maybe,” which topped charts around the world, that made her a household name.
Since then, Jepsen has continued to release successful albums, including “Kiss” and “Dedicated,” and has become known for her catchy, upbeat pop songs and relatable lyrics. She has collaborated with a range of other artists, from Justin Bieber to Bleachers, and has won numerous awards for her music, including a Juno Award and multiple MTV Europe Music Awards. With her infectious energy and undeniable talent, Carly Rae Jepsen has become one of Canada’s most beloved and successful musical exports, and her music continues to be a source of joy and inspiration for fans around the world.
13. Paul Anka
Paul Anka is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been making music since the 1950s. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1941, Anka began his music career as a teenager and quickly gained fame with his hit songs like “Diana” and “Lonely Boy.” Over the years, he has continued to release successful albums and has become known for his smooth vocals and timeless songs.
Anka’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. He has sold over 90 million records worldwide and has written some of the most enduring songs of the 20th century, including “My Way,” which was famously covered by Frank Sinatra. In addition to his music career, Anka has also dabbled in acting and has written for other artists, including Tom Jones and Michael Jackson. With his enduring talent and his status as a cultural icon, Paul Anka remains one of the most beloved and influential artists in Canadian music history.
14. Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been making music for over six decades. Born in Orillia, Ontario, in 1938, Lightfoot began his music career in the early 1960s and quickly established himself as a talented songwriter and performer. He is known for his poetic lyrics, melodic folk-rock style, and distinctive baritone voice. Over the years, Lightfoot has released a string of successful albums, including “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which was inspired by a real-life maritime disaster.
Lightfoot’s impact on the Canadian music industry and beyond cannot be overstated. He has won numerous awards for his music, including multiple Juno Awards, and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His songs have been covered by countless artists and have become part of the cultural lexicon, with classics like “Early Morning Rain” and “Carefree Highway” standing as enduring works of art. With his talent, humility, and dedication to his craft, Gordon Lightfoot has become a beloved and revered figure in the world of music, and his influence continues to be felt by fans and fellow artists alike.
15. K. D. Lang (k.d. lang)
K. D. Lang, born Kathryn Dawn Lang, is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and genre-bending style. Born in Alberta in 1961, Lang began her music career in the early 1980s and quickly gained a reputation as one of Canada’s most talented and innovative artists. She first gained international recognition with her album “Ingénue,” which featured the hit single “Constant Craving.” Lang’s music blends elements of country, pop, and rock, and her rich voice and heartfelt lyrics have earned her a legion of devoted fans.
Over the years, Lang has won numerous awards for her music, including four Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. She has collaborated with a range of other artists, from Roy Orbison to Tony Bennett, and has used her platform to raise awareness about various social and political issues. Lang has also been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has used her own experiences as a queer woman to inform her music and activism. With her talent, authenticity, and dedication to her craft, K. D. Lang has become a beloved icon of Canadian music and a true inspiration to fans around the world.
16. Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara is a Canadian singer-songwriter who first gained fame in 2015 with her hit single “Here.” Born in Brampton, Ontario, in 1996, Cara began playing music at a young age and was influenced by a range of artists, from Amy Winehouse to Coldplay. In addition to her successful music career, she has also been an advocate for mental health awareness and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes.
Since her breakthrough, Cara has continued to release successful albums, including “Know-It-All” and “The Pains of Growing,” and has become known for her soulful vocals and relatable lyrics. She has collaborated with a range of other artists, from Logic to Zedd, and has won numerous awards for her music, including a Grammy Award and a Juno Award. With her undeniable talent and her commitment to using her platform for good, Alessia Cara has become one of Canada’s most beloved and successful musical exports, and her music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
17. Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach is a Canadian singer who first gained fame in the late 1980s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Skid Row. Born in Freeport, Bahamas, in 1968, Bach grew up in Canada and began his music career as a teenager, fronting a number of bands before joining Skid Row in 1987. With his powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, Bach helped to propel the band to stardom, and they released a string of successful albums, including their self-titled debut and “Slave to the Grind.”
Since leaving Skid Row in the mid-1990s, Bach has continued to make music and tour extensively, both as a solo artist and with other bands. He has released a number of successful albums, including “Angel Down” and “Give ‘Em Hell,” and has become known for his dynamic live performances and unmistakable voice. With his enduring talent and his status as a cultural icon of heavy metal, Sebastian Bach remains one of the most beloved and influential Canadian singers in the world of rock music.
18. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer who first gained fame in the early 2010s with his catchy pop hits and boy-next-door charm. Born in London, Ontario, in 1994, Bieber began playing music at a young age and was discovered on YouTube by talent manager Scooter Braun. He quickly rose to international stardom with hits like “Baby” and “Sorry,” and has become known for his smooth vocals, catchy hooks, and charismatic stage presence.
Over the years, Bieber has released a string of successful albums, including “My World 2.0,” “Purpose,” and “Justice,” and has collaborated with a range of other artists, from Ed Sheeran to Ariana Grande. He has won numerous awards for his music, including multiple Grammy Awards and American Music Awards, and has become one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation. With his talent, charisma, and global appeal, Justin Bieber has become a cultural icon of Canadian music and a true inspiration to fans around the world.
19. Shania Twain
Shania Twain is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has become one of the most successful and influential artists in country music history. Born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1965, Twain began her music career in the early 1990s and quickly gained fame with her hit album “The Woman in Me.” She continued to dominate the country charts with her albums “Come On Over” and “Up!,” which featured hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “Forever and for Always.” Twain’s music blends traditional country elements with pop and rock influences, and her dynamic vocals and empowering lyrics have made her a beloved figure in the world of music.
Over the years, Twain has won numerous awards for her music, including five Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. In addition to her music career, Twain has also been an advocate for various causes, including animal welfare and child literacy. With her enduring talent and her status as a cultural icon of Canadian music, Shania Twain remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of country music and beyond.
20. The Weeknd
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer-songwriter who first gained fame in the early 2010s with his mixtapes and alternative R&B sound. Born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1990, The Weeknd began his music career by anonymously uploading his songs to YouTube and SoundCloud. He quickly gained a following with his moody, atmospheric tracks and introspective lyrics, and was signed to a major record label in 2012. Since then, he has released a string of successful albums, including “Beauty Behind the Madness,” “Starboy,” and “After Hours,” and has become known for his unique vocal style and innovative production.
Over the years, The Weeknd has won numerous awards for his music, including multiple Grammy Awards and Juno Awards. He has collaborated with a range of other artists, from Ariana Grande to Kendrick Lamar, and has become one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation. With his dynamic stage presence and his willingness to explore new sounds and styles, The Weeknd has become a cultural icon of Canadian music and a true inspiration to fans around the world.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
